Biocon, Advaxis Ink Deal for HPV-Associated Cervical Cancer Compound

A little over a month ago, Advaxis made a licensing deal with Global BioPharma for the development and commercialization of cancer immunotherapy ADXS-HPV in Asia, Africa, and former USSR territories for the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease. Also, back in April, Advaxis exclusively licensed ADXS-HPV to FusionVax for the Asia territory exclusive of India for all indications. Now, Asian biotech company Biocon has inked an exclusive licensing agreement with the immunotherapy firm to codevelop and commercialize ADXS-HPV for India and other emerging markets for all HPV-associated cancers including cervical cancer.

Per the deal with Biocon, Advaxis will manufacture and supply ADXS-HPV to Biocon, and Advaxis will grant the firm access to its immunotherapy technology, which could be used to develop other therapeutics for various unmet medical needs.

"This agreement gives us reach into key markets where the number of patients with HPV-associated cancers is overwhelming," said Advaxis' CEO Daniel J. O’Connor in a statement.

ADXS-HPV is Advaxis’ lead immunotherapy for the treatment of HPV-associated cancers. The firm says it has improved tumor responses in patients with recurrent cervical cancer. Also, ADXS-HPV received orphan drug status from the FDA in November for HPV-associated head and neck cancers and in August for HPV-associated anal cancer.